Universal Unveils ‘The Odyssey’ Oscar Campaign With Matt Damon Leading a Star-Studded Awards Push
When a Christopher Nolan film lands in theaters, the box office conversation is usually followed quickly by an awards one. That is especially true after ‘Oppenheimer’ swept the Academy Awards, which set a very high bar for whatever came next. Now, the ‘The Odyssey’ Oscar campaign has officially taken shape, and Universal’s choices say a lot about how it plans to play the race.
The studio’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem arrived in theaters on July 17 and opened to a $124.5 million domestic weekend and $264.1 million worldwide. Reviews have been exceptional, with a Rotten Tomatoes critics score in the mid-90s, the best of Nolan’s career, and an A CinemaScore. The film has also become the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever, passing ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’
Universal’s “For Your Consideration” materials lay out a broad slate. Matt Damon, who plays Odysseus, is the film’s only lead contender and is being pushed for Best Actor. In Best Supporting Actor, the studio is backing Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus.
For Best Supporting Actress, Anne Hathaway (Penelope) and Samantha Morton (Circe) are the picks. Behind the scenes, Nolan and Emma Thomas are listed for Best Picture, with Nolan also up for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Casting director John Papsidera is entered for Best Casting.
Universal has unveiled its Oscar campaign for Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’. Matt Damon for Best Actor, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and John Leguizamo for Best Supporting Actor, and Anne Hathaway and Samantha Morton for Best Supporting Actress. https://t.co/sDXxVxZ78k
— Christopher Nolan Archives (@NolanAnalyst) November 2, 2026
The campaign goes well beyond the performers. Universal is also pushing cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, editor Jennifer Lame, production designer Ruth De Jong, costume designer Ellen Mirojnick and composer Ludwig Göransson. The list further covers sound, makeup and hair styling and visual effects.
There is even an Original Song entry for “When I’m Home,” written by James Blake, Göransson and Travis Scott. That kind of full-spectrum push is typical for a frontrunner that believes it can pick up nominations across the board.
Not everyone is on the list. Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, Elliot Page and Himesh Patel were absent from the initial posting, which led to early reports that they wouldn’t be considered. Gold Derby later corrected that, noting that Universal says it will submit all applicable lead and supporting actors for Oscar consideration, as well as for the Golden Globes, BAFTAs and other precursors.
Fan reaction has been mixed. Many cheered the decision to campaign Pattinson, who has had a busy year with several films, while others questioned Holland’s supporting actor push. It is a reminder that a large ensemble creates tough strategic choices.
The campaign kicks off in earnest the week of November 9, with a run of screenings and Q&As that will put Nolan, Thomas and Damon in front of voters nearly every night for 2 weeks. Robert Downey Jr., who won Best Supporting Actor for ‘Oppenheimer,’ will moderate the Los Angeles kickoff on November 11 at the TCL Chinese Theatre after an IMAX 70mm screening. Guillermo del Toro will host a session on November 12 at AMC Universal CityWalk, and Steven Spielberg is also set to moderate a conversation.
One Academy Museum event will gather Damon, Holland, Nyong’o, Morton, Leguizamo, Zendaya, Patel and Page for a Q&A, which neatly gives the unlisted actors a spotlight. It is a savvy way to keep the whole ensemble in front of voters.
The final trailer for Christopher Nolan’s ‘THE ODYSSEY’ has been released. In theaters on July 17. https://t.co/xn42TcX4aG
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 1, 2026
For now, the film is widely viewed as the early Best Picture frontrunner. Prediction markets and betting sites have consistently made it the favorite, and Gold Derby’s odds put it among the most likely nominees. The Oscar nominations are due on January 21, 2027, with the ceremony on March 14, 2027.
The acting races look tougher. Damon faces competition in Best Actor from Andrew Scott in ‘Elsinore’ and John Malkovich in ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ and he has never won an acting Oscar, which could give him a narrative edge. Several rival films, including ‘Dune: Part Three,’ are also expected to play a role in the Best Picture race.
Do you think Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey can repeat Oppenheimer's Oscar success?
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